Description.
The largest of the Slow Loris species, the Bengal Slow Loris was only recently
recognised as a distinct species, having previously been classed as a variation
of Nycticebus coucang . The Bengal Slow Loris has a round head with short ears
and large, forward-facing eyes, which reflect light, giving off a brilliant
orange-red “eyeshine”,The coat is thick and woolly, with brown-grey upperparts
and white under parts, and a distinct dark stripe running up the midline of the
back. Having a barely noticeable, vestigial tail, this tree-dwelling species
relies on its specially adapted hands and feet for climbing, which each bear an
opposable thumb widely separated from the other four digits, giving it a
pincer-like grip. The Bengal Slow Loris produces a variety of vocalisations such
as high-pitched whistles, chitters and clicks.

Generally found in tropical and sub-tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen
rainforests, the Bengal Slow Loris prefers areas with dense canopy cover, as
well as forest edges, where insect prey appear to be more abundant

Biology

Active during the night, the Bengal Slow Loris can be found stalking through the
trees with slow, deliberate movements as it searches for food . Its diet is
varied, consisting mainly of plant exudates such as gums and resins, but also
nectar, fruits, insects, bark and bird eggs One of the more curious
aspects of Slow Loris biology is the production of a toxic substance from glands
on the insides of the elbows. This toxin, secreted in sweat, is licked off the
gland and mixed with saliva (activating the toxin) where it appears to be
channelled up the fine comb-like teeth at the front of the mouth. When defending
itself, the Loris's bite may transmit this poison, and people who have been
bitten have reported it to be particularly painful, with anaphylactic shock
occurring in some cases.

Little is currently known about the social behaviour or reproductive biology of
the Bengal Slow Loris in the wild (2

Threats

There is currently severe degradation and loss of suitable Bengal Slow Loris
habitat occurring throughout its range. The extent of this destruction in
certain regions is decimating local populations or eradicating them entirely. In
North-Eastern India, one of the key causes of habitat loss is a practice known
as jhum, whereby hillside forest is burnt in order to create fertile
agricultural land. In addition, and as a result of development in and around
Bengal Slow Loris habitat, it has been recorded that numerous individuals are
killed by vehicles while crossing roads.

Aside from habitat destruction, the Bengal Slow Loris has been extensively
hunted for its meat and for use in traditional medicine. Many have also
been trapped for sale in the international pet trade, and while this is now
illegal, a black market trade persists.